Best Campgrounds near Central City, CO

The mountain town of Central City, Colorado sits at approximately 8,500 feet elevation, surrounded by camping options ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive dispersed sites. The Denver West-Central City KOA provides developed camping with full hookups, while Columbine Campground offers a more rustic Forest Service experience just 2-3 miles from town. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located about 20 miles east, features both Reverend's Ridge and Deer Creek campgrounds with tent sites, cabins, and yurts. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Gordon Gulch and Chinns Lake areas provide primitive options within 30 minutes of Central City, though many require high-clearance vehicles to access.

Many access roads to campgrounds in the Central City area require careful navigation, particularly for dispersed sites. As one camper noted, "The drive up is super bumpy but we made it here in a class A just fine." Elevations typically range from 8,000-9,000 feet, resulting in cool nights even during summer months, with temperatures often dropping below freezing in spring and fall. The Denver West-Central City KOA operates seasonally from April to October, while most Forest Service campgrounds have similar seasonal limitations. Winter camping is possible at some sites in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, though with limited amenities. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and afternoon thunderstorms frequently occur in July and August.

Proximity to historic mining sites and casinos creates a unique camping experience around Central City. According to visitor reviews, "This area is full of history, hiking and a healthy dose of camping!" The KOA campground sits at nearly 8,900 feet with panoramic mountain views, though some campers note it has "only a few trees along the edge of the campground." Off-road vehicle activity is common near several campgrounds, with one visitor mentioning "quite a few ATVs flying past and a shooting range nearby." Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, turkey, and coyotes, particularly in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to town and limited or no service in more remote dispersed areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Central City, Colorado (412)

    1. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"

    "Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."

    2. Denver West-Central City KOA

    29 Reviews
    Central City, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3043

    "This location is about 39 miles from Downtown Denver or about 45-60 mins (with traffic). They should just say Central City KOA in the title."

    "Very close to Central City and Blackhawk!"

    3. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $90 / night

    "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."

    "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."

    4. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    53 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."

    5. Chief Hosa Campground

    25 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 913-0700

    $33 - $40 / night

    "They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "

    "The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."

    6. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "Not only is this pretty easy to reach, but Peak to Peak highway is great to drive. Just take P to P south from Nederland and turn right on HWY 132… Campsites and trailhead are about 1/2 mile down. "

    "Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."

    7. Columbine Campground - Outside of Denver

    15 Reviews
    Black Hawk, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $26 / night

    "Easy to access from Black Hawk/Central City. Tons of forests to explore nearby. It was very busy- sign said campground full but after a drive around all the sites we found one that was open!"

    "The drive up is super bumpy but we made it here in a class A just fine. Close to Central City/Black Hawk if you need a quick trip to the grocery store."

    8. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    9. Kelly Dahl

    20 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $29 / night

    "Kelly Dahl is a nice campground to get away from the heat of summer and be near Nederland and Blackhawk Colorado. It is quiet during the week and busy on the weekends."

    "Mountain biking and hiking are nearby. Nederland Colorado town is nearby (population about 8k) for supplies."

    10. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "This park is kind of pricey even in the winter (we stayed Nov22-Jan23) but it’s Colorado and it’s all pretty pricey. Park staff is super friendly and accommodating."

    "Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."

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Recent Reviews near Central City, CO

2915 Reviews of 412 Central City Campgrounds



Guide to Central City

Camping near Central City, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Moraine Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Fishing: Head to Glacier Basin Campground for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, "This is the perfect site if you love the mountains but want a lake day."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for moose and elk. One happy camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "The highlight was seeing Elk walk right into camp!"

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park noted, "There were a LOT of spots but they were right on top of each other."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor at Prospector Campground mentioned, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from late May to early September.

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Moraine Park Campground noted, "The campground is easy to access and maneuver."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds have nearby activities that can be noisy. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground said, "We were woken up multiple mornings before 7AM to the sound of model airplanes."
  • Bring Cash for Amenities: Some campgrounds require cash for firewood and other supplies. A camper at Prospector Campground mentioned, "Firewood is nine dollars a bundle."

Camping near Central City, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's good to be prepared. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Central City, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 412 campgrounds and RV parks near Central City, CO and 128 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Central City, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 128 free dispersed camping spots near Central City, CO.

What parks are near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Central City, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.